WIRED program: Solar tech training offered

Instructors from Namaste' Solar help WIRED students install PV panels.

I just completed the WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) solar tech training program offered through a grant with the Adams County Workforce Center and iCAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technologies) this past week.

I began with the WIRED DVD solar tech training at the workforce center over a month ago (I found out about it from the Colorado Renewable Energy Society), where unemployed or underemployed (must be registered with the state unemployment office) get the opportunity to embark on a new career path in solar technologies.

Colorado will need many new people in this industry in the coming year(s) in manufacturing, installation, and many other areas. Colorado has had the unique opportunity to have a number of large green businesses open headquarters and/or manufacturing plants right here in our state. Some of these companies are Ascent Solar located in Littleton and has a facility in Thornton manufacturing thin film photovoltaics, AVA Solar, manufacturing thin film in Longmont and working with the Colorado State University, Prime Star Solar developing thin film in Golden, Abengoa a Spanish manufacturing company headquartered in Lakewood (currently employs 62 people) and building parabolic troughs for an Arizona facility, and Vestas, a Danish company which is the largest manufacturer of wind turbines in the world, has a plant in Windsor and opening another in Pueblo.

This past week I completed a 40 hour course covering a variety of arenas involving solar technology at the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) training center in North Denver. The training is offered to provide those who have little to no experience in this industry some exposure, since this is fairly new industry there are few people trained in solar technologies.

The training provided was completely free to the participants and I felt privileged to be a part of this worthwhile experience. The training provided basic information on photovoltaic and solar thermal systems (installation, rebates and tax incentives, off grid and residential systems, and hands on installation PV practice). Now this program wasn’t as sophisticated as the Solar Energy International’s program, which was highly recommended by many of the instructors, but I believe the training certification will help me and the other students get a head start in this industry.

The week long course included a 10 hour OSHA certification training (my certificate will be received in a few weeks), a solar industry panel where participants could address questions on the job market in the solar industry (the two biggest companies were Namaste' Solar Electric and Abengoa), information on being a contractor from NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association), and my favorite was the hands on training provided by Namaste’.

Namaste’ set up a mock roof in the parking lot where we learned the steps to installing a PV array on the roof of a residence. In order to be an installer, which is where many in the solar industry start out, requires some basic carpentry knowledge and solar PV experience. According to what I learned, installers are starting out at about $15.00 per hour. However, the solar industry employs more people as support staff than installers. If you are planning to work for a solar company you need to know at least the basics of solar installations. You can acquire this knowledge through internships and training with iCAST, volunteering your time with a solar installer, or enroll in SEI’s solar installation program. SEI also offers many more classes in green building and other green skills.

The solar industry is a booming here in Colorado since we have over 300 days of sunshine. However, there is much more than solar installation positions that will come available. Chris Fox with Namaste’ stated that the stimulus package will be offering lots of money in weatherization (energy efficiency) of homes and commercial businesses and commercial lighting retrofits. In fact the Governor’s Energy Office is already working on distributing money to these projects. Fox expects more growth later this year and said, “Pay attention to the policy side.” (Michele has more information below on upcoming events supporting clean energy policies, the green business of the week, etc.)

Chris Stone, Director of Operations with iCAST, stated that utility companies will have a huge impact on the green energy industry. She added that iCAST will be offering unpaid internships on federal projects in a few days, if you receive training through iCAST. Yes, iCAST will be offering more training opportunities for those of you who have a “passion” for this industry.

While construction experience in carpentry, electrical, engineering, plumbing, etcetera, is important in becoming an installer or designer, the industry is also looking for permitting specialists to manage their paperwork and administrative help. Rural electric companies will be expanding their needs for renewable energy, so there are opportunities forthcoming there as well.

Peter Thompson, Sales Manager with Abengoa Solar said that their company is looking for engineers to design large scale systems at a lower cost to manufacture. Anderson Hoke with Bella Energy added that their company is looking for drafters and people experienced with AutoCAD.

The advice from the panel in regards to getting a job in this industry isn’t so much that you’re an expert in this field (not many are out there), but to have a passion for the green industry and green energy. It’s not so much what you know but who you know. It is important to be willing to volunteer your time and meet personally with those in the field. Networking is important and being a member of CoSEIA (Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association) doesn’t hurt. CoSEIA works with the state legislature to get laws changed to help the solar industry and offers conferences and information useful to those active in this industry.

Fox recommended that individuals learn about the industry by not only attending trainings but subscribing to industry publications like solarbuzz.com, Renewable Energy World, Solar Industry magazine, and Google news feeds on the solar industry. Thompson included the Governor’s Energy Office as an important resource. Other publications recommended were Home Power, Solar Pro, getting involved with Greenprint Denver and your local chamber of commerce. I also recommend the Colorado Green Tech Meetup, which also has a job board.

The final words of the solar energy representatives were (Thompson), “Find a niche and go after it.”
Chris Stoneman stressed to, “Think outside of the box” and to be creative. Attempt to get your foot in the door through networking, volunteering, and educating yourself.

The final question from students was, “Will the industry sustain itself if public utilities remove rebates and the federal government discontinues tax credits?” 

Larry LeDue with Sustainable Solutions, Inc. hopes that our society will be sustainable without the need for subsidies. This will require educating the public on the importance of sustainable practices, which includes more than just renewable energy. (LeDue built and lives in an off grid earth ship home in South Park with a solar/wind hybrid system.)

Interested in learning more about iCAST’s training? Go to:  http://www.icastusa.org/

If you enjoyed this article, check out:  Colorado Green Tech Meetup:  The green entrepreneurs event and New net zero homes planned in Arvada.

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What’s new with Michele?

Michele plans to attend these events.

Upcoming events to support the green industry:

IBEW Green Jobs Open House

When: May 26-29th, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Where: Denver Joint Electrical and Apprenticeship Training Center, 1291 E. 54th Ave.

U.S. Congressman Ed Perlmutter will speak at the dedication ceremony on Friday, May 29th at 2:00 PM, with lunch being served at noon.

Please RSVP or refer questions to IBEW Local Union 68 at 303-297-0229 extension 1031*

Clean Energy Jobs Day as part of the Boulder Green Building Guild/Green Product Fair

When: May 30th, 9:00-3:00. Speakers 9-10

Where: Boulder Central Park

Why: To support Green Business and amplify our voice to let congress know we support a green energy economy! Lobbyist may have money, but we join together and let congress know we mean business. (Other media will be present.)

Green business of week: Green Job Outsourcing Brokers – Betty will help you find the green job you’re looking for at no cost to you the job seeker. Recruiting service provided for green businesses looking for the right person to hire.

Green tip of the week comes from Peggy Woodward: Use your car as a solar dehydrator this summer.

According to the Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society vehicle temperatures inside a car can exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit and can reach 140 degrees F in 40 minutes in high outdoor temperatures, even with the windows cracked open.

In order to dehydrate foods in your car, I recommend using fresh fruits, herbs, or vegetables prepared and lay out on a cookie sheet to dry uncovered. Keep the vehicle closed up in the sunshine during the day to prevent insects from entering and getting the most solar radiation possible. I plan to dry sundried tomatoes and dried fruit this summer. A parked car produces energy! Why not take advantage of it?

Note: Don’t ever leave a child or pet in your car unattended in outdoor temperatures exceeding 70 degrees F. 

Michele co-authored Cow Power with Francisco Flores in coordination with iCAST. Check out this resource guide directed to feed lot farmers turning poo into power. It is now available on the web at:  http://www.icastusa.org/publications/cowpower.pdf

Michele is also teaching at Thorne Ecological Institute this summer in outdoor environmental education at Waterton Canyon. We need more students to enroll in this unique outdoor opportunity, where kids (ages 3-15) learn about ecosystems, wildlife, and much more. Classes are offered in Boulder and at Waterton Canyon (just southwest of Chatfield Reservoir). To learn more about Thorne’s programs go to:  http://www.thorne-eco.org/